I’m having my annual late summer blues. Every year at this time they creep around my house and make me feel like a little dried out raisin falling off the vine. I’m here to write myself some notes to remind myself that I’m not a raisin. I’m a grape. 

1. I do not have to have an overarching purpose and passion in life. I mother my children. I work part time in real estate and teaching. I go to graduate school. I am learning to paint watercolor. I have a very good garden. I serve in my church. Those are all purposes to which I devote my time. None of them is the boss of me, and there is plenty there for me to find satisfaction with my life. 
2. I do not have to rule the world in any of the areas where I devote my time. I don’t have to be in charge of anything for PTO. It is okay for me to just sign up and help when I can, and not run anything. I don’t have to be the top of my class in school. I don’t have to make all the money in my jobs. I don’t have to be a perfect leader for young women. I don’t have to be a perfect mom. I make mistakes and will continue to do so.
3. School will start in a few weeks, and that structure will help me escape this late summer listlessness.
4. If I can’t muster the desire to make and process blackberry jam before blackberry season is over, it is not the end of the world.
5. If I don’t post on my blog anymore even though I was so regular about it when I was younger and had fewer children and responsibilities, it’s okay. This blog is for me. My voice is not dead, even if she has been quiet for awhile. She can be quiet as long as she wants. I’ve been busy living. It’s okay to just do that.